Drops of Pleasure

“Wine, when used moderately, and according to the organism of each person, is as perfect for health as it is for illness”. Hippocrates

The words vine-culture and wine (“oinos” in ancient greek) are inseparable aspects of the Mediterranean people and many references to that seem to vanish with the passing of time. No one is absolutely certain where and when the first vineyards appeared, but what is undoubtedly known, based on historical findings, is that they were of great significance to the people of the Greek land. For the Greeks, wine was not only about consumption but also about trade, economy and religious ceremonies.
Historians claim that the Phoenicians would load their ships with wine and set off from the city of Byblos (today’s Lebanon) towards other Mediterranean harbours.
At the same time, numerous regions of insular and mainland Greece were well-known for their wine production. Countless origins, categories and practices remain alive even today. Wine, by definition, is a product which breathes and evolves; so how would it ever be possible for wars, confrontations and migrating populations to restrain it. Contrarily, conquerors exploited it as a trophy (as precious as gold and silver) whereas the displaced received stumps to plant in the land they would inhabit next so as to remind them of the place they were called to abandon (as precious as their language and religion).
The existence of vine-culture in Greece evolved over the centuries. Romans, Byzantine, Ottomans, Venetians and so many others who crossed this blessed land recognized the superb quality of nutritional goods and especially the wine and olive oil.
Nowadays, the infamous Greek wine is met with great success in international markets where the Assyrtiko, Moschofilero, Agiorgitiko and Xinomavro varieties appear to be in the lead, while at the same time there seems to be a revival and interest for hundreds of local varieties coming to the forefront again. In every corner of Greece, hospitable locals will offer you a glass of wine and raise their glasses with you in the name of good health by saying “Yia mas!” (Cheers!)